What Schools Offer Medical Billing Classes?

By Suzy Kerr ; Updated September 26, 2017

A career in medical billing will offer opportunities to work with both doctors and insurance companies.

Medical billing makes up a vital part of the health care industry, and skilled and competent professionals are needed to ensure that the revenue cycle runs smoothly. From interpreting insurance policies and submitting claims to managing collections, medical billing specialists must have a comprehensive understanding of health care and billing practices. Earning an associate degree or certificate in medical billing can give you this knowledge, along with the skills necessary for a career in this growing field.

Carrington College

Carrington College offers a traditional post-secondary program that can result in either an associate degree or certificate in medical billing and coding. The curriculum emphasizes theory and practical training, as well as an externship program where you can put your newly learned skills to use in a real-world setting. Students will divide their time between the classroom and the lab, learning about medical billing software, health care practices and insurance form preparation. The college has campuses in California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, Idaho and New Mexico.

Kaplan University

The medical billing and coding certificate from Kaplan University can be earned online or through a combination of online and on-site courses at campuses in Maryland and Nebraska. Some of the requirements are anatomy and physiology, medical coding and medical insurance and billing. The curriculum is diverse and is designed to give students comprehensive knowledge in human health, medical practices and information processing for billing purposes. The program totals 38 credit hours, which is followed by an externship that is done in a lab setting.

Penn Foster

Penn Foster has an 11-course medical billing program that can be completed in as little as seven months. The online curriculum features courses like office procedures, introduction to allied health and basic pharmacology. After successful completion of these classes, you will earn an accredited diploma that will prepare you for medical billing certification exams.

Phoenix College

The physician-based medical billing and coding program at Phoenix College can result in a certificate of completion, which can be used toward an associate degree program. The 26-to-34-credit hour program has required courses in pathophysiology, medical coding and claims processing. There is also a practical experience requirement that places students in clinical or office settings to put their knowledge to work.

Hunter College

The medical billing program at Hunter College in New York City consists of several required courses that must be taken in order, including medical terminology, classes in coding and regulations in health care coding. These courses will prepare students to sit for the certification exam to become a medical billing coder, along with giving them the real-world knowledge and skills they need to work in the field. After completing the courses, students will have a thorough understanding of human anatomy and health conditions, along with insurance practices and computer skills necessary for medical documentation.

About the Author

Suzy Kerr graduated from Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. She completed her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences, also at the University of Georgia. Suzy has been a successful health, fitness and nutrition writer for more than 10 years, and has been published in various print and online publications.